Chelle says Guinea-Bissau outmatched Nigeria in 3-0 loss

Nigeria coach Éric Chelle said Guinea-Bissau outmatched his team in aggression and intensity during a 3-0 defeat in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, adding that the Super Eagles failed to find a way to respond. The loss came after Nigeria opened its Group L campaign with a comeback win over Madagascar. Speaking after the match, Chelle said Guinea-Bissau showed greater determination and personality. He also criticized the playing surface and weather, but stressed that neither was an excuse for Nigeria’s performance. He said Guinea-Bissau were more accustomed to the pitch and that Nigeria did not adapt effectively. Chelle said he tried to change Nigeria’s approach after halftime by asking players to attack down the flanks and create one-on-one opportunities. The team stopped using that approach after about 10 minutes, he said, adding that he did not know why. He called for an objective review of the performance and said the team should identify what went wrong. The defeat followed a pre-match report of fitness concerns in Nigeria’s squad.